Definition
Recognized as efficient tools for protecting ecosystems, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are marine and coastal areas that are delimited and managed with the aim of conserving biodiversity. Creating a balance between biodiversity conservation and sustainable human activities, Mediterranean MPAs restore the resources needed for the economic and social development of neighboring populations.
In some MPAs, the establishment of highly protected areas with no fishing activity, accelerates the restoration of ecosystems and fishery resources.
Marine protected areas : bring health, productivity and resilience to our ecosystems
The Mediterranean
a sea under pressure
The Mediterranean Sea is a precious natural space, which plays a fundamental role in the development of the territories bordering its shores. However, it is today faced with many challenges that compromise its balance and the quality of life of its populations: climate change, demographic pressure, pollution and the excessive use of its natural resources.
Global marine biodiversity hotspot
The Mediterranean is bordered by 21 countries and constitutes a large marine ecosystem whose health depends on the cooperation of all countries.
It represents a vital refuge and reproduction area for many emblematic species. Some of them, such as the monk seal, the mobula ray or the brown grouper, are seriously threatened.
One of the most sensitive seas to climate change
The coastal areas of many territories are already affected by extreme climate events, rising sea levels or biological invasions. Rising temperatures particularly threaten biodiversity and the living spaces of neighboring populations.
An increasing demographic and economic concentration
The traditional sectors of the maritime economy, fisheries, transport, tourism, aquaculture, continue to grow and generate significant pressures on the natural resources and marine and coastal ecosystems of the Mediterranean. In 2030, 550 million inhabitants will be living around the Mediterranean basin.
Did you know?
The Oceanographic Institute set up an international network of aquariums and zoos supporting Mediterranean MPAs.The main missions of this network are to contribute to the financing of the Environmental Fund for Mediterranean MPAs and to raise public awareness about MPAs.
Supporting marine protected areas means protecting threatened emblematic species in the Mediterranean.
Photo credit: Renaud Dupuy de la Grandrive
Located in the heart of one of the most important bird migration corridors between Western Europe and Africa, the SIBE of Jbel Moussa hosts 252 bird species, representing more than 50% of the bird species reported in Morocco.
Photo credit: AGIR
Al Hoceima Park in Morocco is a transit area for many migratory species including the osprey. The park is home to one of the last reference colonies in the Mediterranean.
Photo credit : Flag Pine
Karaburun Sazan MPA is one of the best-preserved sites in Albania with a very high biological diversity. Recently (on March 2019 ), a monk seal was observed near the coast in front of the park house.
Photo credit: The MedFund
Kuriat Islands in Tunisia are home to remarkable nesting sites of the sea turtle Caretta caretta, a species that is declining throughout the Mediterranean and whose survival depends on the preservation of the southern nesting sites.
